ABUJOBURG: ABUJA AND JOBURG IS BORN!

Abuja Africa most populous country’s capital –Nigeria built mainly in the 1980s. Located in the central part of Nigeria. It officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991, replacing Lagos, though the latter remains the country's most populous city. The indigenous inhabitants of Abuja are the Gbagyi (Gwari) as the major language, Mada, Ganagana, Koro, Mada, etc. Abuja's geography is defined by Aso Rock, a 400-metre monolith left by water erosion. The Presidential Complex, National Assembly, Supreme Court and much of the city extend to the south of the rock. Zuma Rock, a 792-metre monolith, lies just north of the city on the road to Kaduna State.

At the 2006 census, the city of Abuja had a population of 776,298, making it one of the ten most populous cities in Nigeria. 

Johannesburg Jozi, Jo'burg, eGoli, and Joeys, and abbreviated as JHB) is the largest city in South Africa. It is the provincial capital of Gauteng, which is the wealthiest province in South Africa. The city is one of the 50largest urban agglomerations in the world and is also the world's largest city not situated on a river, lake, or coastline. The city was named and established in 1886 following the discovery of gold on what had been a farm.

Most recently South African Airways' (SAA) launched flights to Abuja, as a second gateway in Nigeria the airline said. 

The inaugural flight took off with a contingent of senior government officials and guests on board - proving the local and international popularity of the route. 

The flight departed on Tuesday 26 January at 23:55 from Johannesburg via Lagos and landed in Abuja Wednesday morning 07:30.

The flight was greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony as guests entered into Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

SAA's entry points into Nigeria is Lagos, to where it flies daily and now Abuja, with Abuja flight enabling the movement of travellers as well as goods between Southern and West Africa.  The three weekly non-stop flights between Johannesburg and Abuja will operate with modern Airbus 330-200 aircraft, offering SAA Business class luxury and Economy class comfort, with the latest  in-flight entertainment content.

“What better way to celebrate the New Year and 2016, which promises to be a great year for continued growth on the continent, by adding a second point in Nigeria – one of the most popular and profitable routes in the SAA African route network. Introducing Abuja adds more travel options for our customers, especially for the business community, and enhances our footprint on the continent,” says Aaron Munetsi, SAA Acting Chief Commercial Officer.

Returning to South Africa after this super-good launch leaves me looking forward to my next trip to Abuja where I do business, speak, coach and offer PR services for projects towards the advancement of this special continent am most delighted to be a part of for life. I am an African.